Imposter Utility Workers

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The Escondido Police Department is looking into complaints of imposter City of Escondido employees contacting homeowners. Some of the imposters have either a jacket or shirt that has something similar to a patch that represents Escondido Water or just Escondido.

The imposters have been going door-to-door and asking homeowners about water use, water quality, and insurance for the home owner’s water lines. The imposters have asked to come inside the homes and some of the homeowners have allowed it. Once inside, the imposters have asked to test the water for analysis and have made other offers to sell product or get information for a “free drawing”. As far as EPD can tell, there has been no overt crime in any of the cases except for soliciting.

EPD would like to warn homeowners not to allow any person you do not know into your home unless you expect them for an appointment or repair. If you are contacted by any person representing themselves as a local government employee or utility worker, you may ask for identification and contact information to verify their claim.

In addition, City of Escondido would like to let you know:

City Utility Workers have city badges and wear city uniforms

All pipes from your water meter to your house are private

The City does not require insurance on those lines

Utility Workers drive white city vehicles with city logos and government license plates

Utility Workers will only enter private houses when the customer has contacted the Utilities department in advance. This situation is very rare.

If anyone has additional information, has had a similar experience, or sees an imposter representing themselves a Water Department or Utility employee, please contact EPD or your local law enforcement agency.

To report any suspicious activities in your neighborhood, you may contact the Police Department directly, or you may make an unidentified call on our Anonymous Tip Line at 760-743-TIPS (8477) or via our Web site at police.escondido.org. For breaking news releases, please follow the Escondido Police Department on Twitter at twitter.com/escondidopolice.